ACT Mental Health Consumer Network – Policy Reference Group
Recruitment Bulletin
Due: 11:59pm 26 July 2026
The ACT Mental Health Consumer Network (the Network) currently has opportunities for consumers to join their in-person Policy Reference Group (PRG). These vacancies are open to any person over 16yo who identifies as having lived experience of mental illness as a consumer and who is a member of the Network. If you are not yet a Network member, you can sign up for free here: https://actmhcn.org.au/join/
Induction training and support will be provided for accepted nominees.
The PRG has two sub-groups: the In-person PRG and the Online-only PRG. Every month, one of the two groups will meet for the purpose of reviewing policies, procedures, proposals and other matters of significance to consumers in the mental health space. The two groups alternate every month so that each sub-group of the PRG meets once every two months for a total of six meetings each across the year.
The Network currently has 3 vacancies in the in-person PRG sub-group: one position with a term ending in March 2027, and two positions with terms ending in March 2028. All PRG members receive standard reimbursement to cover the costs associated with their participation.
Frequency: Once every two months.
Further details for the In-person PRG:
When: 12:30-2:30pm on the 3rd Thursday in even-numbered months (Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct & Dec).
Location: In-person at the Network office.
Note: The Network will provide refreshments for this meeting including tea/coffee and light snacks.
Background
A core feature of their work is to ensure that:
- The voices and needs of people with lived experience of mental illness (consumers) are heard and reflected in the Network’s policy advice and systemic advocacy; and,
- The Network has influences on issues, policies and programs affecting the interests of consumers.
One way that the Network achieve these goals is by providing consumer feedback on policies, procedures and other matters that affect consumers. The Network receives requests from agencies in the ACT, such as Canberra Health Services (CHS), for consumer feedback on a policy, procedure or other matter. It is then the Network’s job to organise and provide consumer feedback. The PRG is one of the ways that the Network organises and provides this consumer feedback.
The work of the PRG includes:
- Reading policy and procedure documents etc.
- Assessing and providing verbal and/or written feedback about policy and procedure documents.
- Engaging in group discussions about policies and procedures that can relate to difficult and nuanced topics.
Suitable for consumers with an interest in reviewing policies, procedures and other matters. This is a group that requires good reading and comprehension skills. Experience with reviewing policies and procedures is not necessary to become a member of the PRG. Documents for reading and review will be provided up to 1-2 weeks prior to each meeting. Participants are expected to have read the documents prior to the meeting and be ready to provide feedback either during the meeting itself or via written correspondence if they are unable to attend.
How to apply: If you are interested in joining, please complete this online Nomination Form: The Network’s Policy Reference Group In Person Opportunities – Fill in form
What next?: All nominations will be considered by a Steering Committee within two weeks of nominations closing, and all nominees will be advised of the outcome of their nomination within one week after this process has been completed.
